Thor tossed and turned, restless. His face was tense, betraying the anguish of a deep nightmare.

“Daddy…” voices called, little hands reaching for him. “You need to get out of there… or you’ll never see us grow up. We won’t be able to play… Come on, Daddy! We love you!”

Thor tried to answer, tried to move, stretched out his arms, but he couldn’t escape. He had no strength. The sand kept pulling him under.

Then a dark shadow loomed behind the children. A tall, faceless man. Thor couldn’t see his features, but he began dragging them away. The children screamed:

“Daddy! Daddy! No!”

Thor raised his arms desperately, trying to touch them, to hold on.

“NO!”

The scream tore through the bedroom as he jolted awake, chest heaving, sweat soaking his shirt.

Isabela, who was still in the living room, rushed in at once. Without knocking, she flung the door open, feigning concern.

“Darling! You’re awake!” she exclaimed, running to the bed.

Thor was dizzy, disoriented, struggling for breath.

She sat